Have you ever had a night where everything felt still, as if the universe itself was holding its breath? For me, that feeling always arrives on the 27th of Rajab. I remember being a young kid, sitting on a prayer mat next to my grandfather, watching the soft glow of the mosque lights from our window. He would lean in and whisper, “Tonight is the night the heavens opened.” That was my first introduction to the miracle of shab e meraj.
Today, as we observe this beautiful occasion on January 16, 2026, that same sense of wonder remains. Whether you are here to learn the history or looking for ways to spend your night in worship, let’s walk through this soulful journey together.
What is Shab-e-Meraj?
If you’re new to this, you might be wondering, What is Shab-e-Meraj?
In simple terms, it is the “Night of Ascent.” Known formally as Al-Isra wal-Miraj, it commemorates the two-part miraculous journey of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
It wasn’t just a dream; it was a physical and spiritual journey that defies the laws of physics. Imagine traveling from Mecca to Jerusalem and then ascending through the seven heavens to meet the Creator, all in a single night. It’s a story of love, resilience, and divine favor that happened when the Prophet (PBUH) was going through his “Year of Sorrow.”
When is Shab-e-Meraj?
The timing is based on the Islamic lunar calendar. When is Shab-e-Meraj?
It falls on the 27th night of Rajab. Because the Islamic day begins at sunset, the shab e meraj date for 2026 starts on the evening of Friday, January 16, and carries into the morning of Saturday, January 17.
The Compelling Shab e Meraj History
To truly appreciate this night, we have to look at the shab e meraj history.
Before this miracle, the Prophet (PBUH) faced immense hardship. He had gone to the city of Taif to spread the message of Tawhid (the Oneness of Allah), but the people there rejected him cruelly. They even sent children to pelt him with stones until his shoes filled with blood.
He was at his lowest point, feeling isolated and rejected by the Meccan unbelievers. It was at this moment of deep sadness that Allah granted him the “Meraj”, the ultimate gift of closeness. It’s a powerful reminder for us: with every hardship, there is ease. When the world closes its doors on you, the heavens are still open.
The Two Parts of the Journey
- Isra (The Night Journey): The Angel Jibreel (A.S) brought a celestial white steed named Buraq. The Prophet (PBUH) traveled from Masjid Al-Haram in Mecca to Masjid Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem. Along the way, he stopped at significant places like Madinah, Mount Sinai, and Bethlehem to offer prayers.
- Meraj (The Ascension): From Jerusalem, he ascended through the seven heavens. He met previous Prophets (like Isa, Musa, and Ibrahim A.S) and eventually reached Sidrat-ul-Muntaha (the Lote Tree of the Farthest Boundary).
The Quran captures this intimacy beautifully in Surah An-Najm:
(Kanz-ul-Iman)
“So, the distance between the Spectacle and the beloved was only two arms’ length, or even less.”
Practical Guide: What to Do on This Night
Since you are likely reading this on the day of the event, you’re probably asking:
What to do on Shab e Meraj? While there is no “mandatory” way to celebrate, the goal is to draw closer to Allah through devotion.
Offering Shab e Meraj Nawafil
One of the most common traditions is offering shab e meraj nawafil (voluntary prayers). There isn’t a fixed number of Rakaats, but many people pray in sets of two, reciting Surah Ikhlas multiple times. Think of it as a personal conversation with Allah.
When I pray these nawafil, I like to think of them as my own “mini-meraj,” as the Prophet (PBUH) said that Salah is the Meraj of the believer.
Fasting: The Shab e meraj 2026 roza
Is there a Shab-e-Meraj 2026 roza? While not obligatory like Ramadan, many Muslims choose to fast on the 27th of Rajab (Saturday, Jan 17). It is a beautiful way to show gratitude for the gift of prayer. If you plan to fast, remember to keep your intentions pure!
The Gift of the Five Daily Prayers
The most significant outcome of this journey was the command for Salah. Initially, Allah prescribed fifty prayers a day. After the Prophet (PBUH) spoke with Prophet Musa (A.S) about the capacity of the Ummah, the number was reduced to five. Yet, Allah in His mercy promised that the reward for these five would still equal fifty!
This teaches us that our daily prayers aren’t a burden; they are a direct link to the Divine, a gift given to us in the highest heavens.
Cultural and Regional Celebrations
Across the globe, from the International Madani Center in Karachi to small mosques in London, this night is celebrated with “Faizan-e-Meraj.”
- Illuminations: Homes and mosques are decorated with lights to symbolize the divine light of the journey.
- Gatherings: People gather to recite Naats (poetry praising the Prophet) and listen to scholars explain the depths of this miracle.
- Charity: It is a night of giving. Helping the needy is a core lesson of the Prophet’s (PBUH) life.
Final Thoughts: A Soulful Lesson
The journey of Meraj isn’t just a historical event; it’s a manual for life. It tells us never to give up during hard times. It shows us that space and time are under the command of Allah. Most importantly, it reminds us that we are never truly alone.
As you spend your night tonight, remember that the same Lord who brought the Prophet (PBUH) through the seven heavens is listening to your smallest whispers.
While we reflect on the miracle of the Night Journey today, it is also the perfect time to start preparing our hearts for the next big spiritual milestone. If you want to understand how this night leads into the night of forgiveness, check out our guide on Shab e Barat 2026: Why This Night Is So Important in Islam.
FAQs
Q. Is today Shab e meraj?
Yes! If today is January 16, 2026, the night starting at sunset is indeed Shab e Meraj. It is the time to start your prayers and reflections.
Q. What to do on Shab e meraj if I am busy?
Even if you can’t spend the whole night in the mosque, try to offer your Isha and Fajr prayers in congregation. Spend a few minutes making heartfelt Dua and reciting Salawat (sending blessings upon the Prophet).
Q. What is the significance of the “Gift of Salah”?
During the Meraj, Allah commanded the five daily prayers ($Salah$) as obligatory for all Muslims. It is considered a direct spiritual gift from the Divine presence to the Ummah.
Q. What is the Buraq?
The Buraq is a celestial, white-colored creature from Paradise, described as smaller than a horse but larger than a donkey, which transported the Prophet (PBUH) during the Isra part of the journey.
Q. How should a believer spend this night?
While there is no single prescribed ritual, Muslims typically spend the night in Nawafil (voluntary prayers), reciting the Quran, sending Salawat upon the Prophet (PBUH), and engaging in sincere Dua.
